3 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Legacy Software
by Anna MorelockIs outdated legacy software slowing you down? You might consider revamping your legacy software in favor of a fresh solution, but how do you know it’s time?
To start, let’s explore the most common types of legacy software that companies rely on.
RELATED: How To Update Your Software Regularly In 2024
common types of legacy software that need replacing
While some legacy applications can still get the job done, here are some that often need to be switched out for a new solution.
1. Old operating systems
You may feel loyal to Windows XP, Windows 7, or another old-school operating system (OS). Despite their stability and efficiency, many of these operating systems can present some serious concerns:
- They are often no longer supported by their original developer, so there’s no official help available when you run into problems.
- A lack of developer support means no more security patches.
- Hackers have had years—even decades—to crack older operating systems and there are often many hacks available in the underground software market.
2. Applications designed specifically for your company
An app designed either in-house or using an outside developer can be just the ticket when it’s first built. But as the years pass, it may hinder your operation.
For instance, if the original developer has moved on or no longer works in your sector, you may not be able to get updates and fixes for issues that pop up.
Also, older apps may not interface with newer applications. This could be a big problem when you’re trying to work your way through a digital transformation.
3. Legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications
Legacy ERPs can have tons of useful features, but they can also be a millstone around the neck of your IT team. Legacy ERPs often:
- Don’t integrate well with other, more modern applications. This results in data siloes between the two apps.
- Don’t offer the flexibility users need to customize their layouts according to their workflows.
- Use older data formats that aren’t compatible with new applications or databases. This results in your legacy ERP essentially speaking a different language than the systems you need it to interact with.
The biggest disadvantage of legacy ERP systems is they often lack the automation capabilities of newer systems. For instance, with an older ERP, you may not be able to have the system automatically place orders when inventory drops beneath a certain level.
Why revamp your legacy software?
Three of the most important reasons to revamp your legacy software include incompatibility, security, and high maintenance costs.
Incompatibility
To enable a digitally cohesive organization, you need all your systems to talk, and legacy software often doesn’t mesh well with modern ones.
Some manufacturing or design companies may use a form of proprietary CAD software. While this may be effective during the design process, it may force you to save drawings using a file format that other design applications can’t read.
This could lead to considerable workflow restrictions and time-consuming data reformatting.
Security
Security is a prime concern because hackers love to use legacy software to access networks or assets connected to it. In addition to the security concerns listed earlier, legacy software may also force you to continue using insecure machines or operating systems.
This is because older software is often designed to work with older operating systems. These OSs may also require older hardware that manufacturers no longer support.
For instance, Pro Tools 8.5 (HD) needs Mac’s Snow Leopard or Windows 7 to run properly. These would be far easier for hackers to penetrate than more modern operating systems that have many security improvements older systems lack.
High maintenance costs
Legacy software may cost more to maintain, especially when it’s no longer supported by the original developer. In many cases, you may be able to find a programmer that can make tweaks and improvements to the application—or even mitigate security vulnerabilities. But their fee per hour can push your costs beyond budget constraints.
READ NEXT: 6 Tips For Your Software Implementation Plan
The Benefits of Upgrading Legacy Software
- Better scalability. Newer applications make it easier to add more users, business units, or data inputs for automation. This gives your business more agility because you can scale according to changing needs.
- Smoother integrations. If your legacy software can’t communicate with other applications, it can’t use their data—or vice versa. When you take on a legacy software update, you can get a system that integrates with several data sources seamlessly.
- Advanced features. Many legacy programs don’t offer features like automated reporting in real-time or instantaneous business analytics. A revamp can give you access to the kinds of features that save your employees precious time and energy.
- Easier compliance management. Compliance standards have changed a lot over the last several years and many newer applications feature built-in compliance tools. For instance, you can set up modern data management tools to prevent you from sharing sensitive customer data with the wrong people.
- More efficient, user-friendly workflows. Newer applications often enable efficient workflows designed using decades of user feedback. This may be especially helpful for newer employees coming from companies that used more modern software.
These benefits, when considered in combination, also provide cost savings. As your employees use newer software, they can work more efficiently, getting more done in less time. Plus, the reduced cost of upgrading newer applications saves you money when it comes to maintenance costs.
Start optimizing your software upgrade now
Getting your software upgrade right starts with sourcing the best professionals for the job. At Evergreen, we specialize in providing full-spectrum application services tailored to your specific needs and level of engagement:
- App consulting: Our advisory services guide you in shaping your app strategy.
- App management: Let us take the reins. We’ll handle all your app strategies and processes.
- Custom plans: Don’t see what you need? We offer tailored solutions to achieve your unique business goals.
Connect with us today.